I was shocked
By what you
Told me today

Shocked and riveted by
The fear so
Plainly etched
Into your face
As you told me
What he did to you

Tears poured
From your eyes
As you choked
The story out
Refusing to let him
Silence you

And when you reached
For me
I found myself
Holding tightly
To your shaking hands
As you forced
The story out
Little by little
Taking deep gulps of air
To keep yourself calm

When you finished speaking
I wrapped you tightly
In my arms
And whispered words
Of comfort into your ear

You are so very brave
Young one
So brave
I couldn’t have been
Prouder of you
Had you been
My own daughter